Investment Pays Off

Fortunately, there is a growing body of data that identifies key elements and strategies leading to improved outcomes for many different groups, including chronic users. From diversion from emergency rooms and the criminal justice system, wrap-around services and health homes to sober high schools and colleges, we have multiple examples of very successful, innovative programs.

CORI supports increased funding for problem-solving courts in all 87 counties. This money will be used to maintain the 49 existing problem-solving courts and create three new problem-solving courts per year. (Learn more on our priorities page.)

CORI is investing in these courts because we know that they work. A statewide study in 2012 found that drug courts reduce recidivism by 37%. The study also showed that drug courts are successful at helping participants gain or improve employment status and education level. Additionally, unemployment dropped from 62% at entry to 37% for all discharged participants, and 20% of participants improve their highest educational attainment during drug court.

Drug courts also improved participants’ success with many life skills, including: obtaining a drivers license – 55% of discharged participants have a valid license at discharge; securing housing – 46% of discharged participants without a permanent home at entry rent or own their residence at discharge; and paying child support – 73% of completers who are not compliant at entry are paying child support at discharge.

In 2014, a follow-up study was done to track longer term recidivism of the group and found that drug court participants spent, on average, 74 fewer days incarcerated. Overall, incarceration costs were $4,288 lower for participants (and $7,910 lower after Hennepin Co. participants were removed.)